Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-01-20

H4th ulbdIIdNtdDlS excited ms sympathy.
Nor is it anything connected with property, I
she hastily added, as she saw the doctor
looked inquiringly, bnt as though fearing
that further questioning might be an indeli
cate intrusion
She picked neryously at the engagement
ring which Harry had placed upon hel
finger. 1t fitted closely and resisted hei
efforts at removal. She felt, when it was toe
late, that neither this nor its significt4ice hac
escaped Dir. Denslow's eyes.
"A f-riend-an-acquain of mine has
disgraced himself, she said, with a very APP
parent effort.
An ordinary woman would have broker
down in fearful tempest but as has beer
said before she was denied that sweet relief
which most women find in a readily respon-
sive gush Of tears. Her eyes became very dry
and exceedingly hot Her misery was evi-
dent.
The doctor took her hand with movement
of involuntary sympathy. Il am deeply hurt
to see you grieve, he said, eand wish that |
might say something to alleviate your trou-
bles. Is it anything that you can tell me
about"
"No, it is nothing of which can say a word
TO any one" she answered. at is a trouble
that can share with no one, and least of all
With a stranger"
@Am not more than a stranger to you.'
he asked
"Oh, yes, indeed, she said, and Fastening
to correct her former GOODNESS, added; you
are very dear good friend, whom value
much more highly than have given You rea-
son to think.
His face frightened wonderfully, but he adj
ventured his way slowly. Il am very glad
that you esteem me what have tried to show
myself during our acquaintance
you have indeed shown yourself a very
true friend. | could not ask for better one. z"
aThen will you not trust rue with a share of
your sorrows, that may help f,u bear them?"
No. no; you cannot. Nobody can DO any
thing III this case but myself
"You do not know You do not know what
love can accomplish when it sets itself to work
with the ardor belonging - it."
"Love o, do not speak to me of that she
said, suddenly awakening TO the drift of his
words, and striving to withdraw her hand
"No, but | must speak of it, he said with
a vehemence entirely foreign to his usual
half mocking philosophy Il must speak of
it, lie repeated, with deepening tones you
surely can not be blind to tho fact that love
you notwithstanding Every days
intercourse must have shown you something
of this, which you could not have mistaken
You must have seen this growing upon me
continually, until now | have but few
thoughts into which your image does not APP
pear, to brighten and enhance them Tell me
now that hopes dearer-infnitely dearer-
than any | have ever before cherished are
n, Lava tho f,r0,yf, IF fl.,1itfn,,
II Cannot cannot, she sighed
"What can you not2 Can't you care for me
at least a httlel"
Il do; | care for yoll ever 50 much. [ am
not only grateful for al that you have been
to me and done for me, but have a feeling
that goes beyond mere gratitude. But to
say that return the love you profess for me
that | even entertain my feeling resembling
til cannot, and certainly not az this tine.7
But you certainly do not love anyone
elsef
oh | beg Of you not to question me-
a know | have no right to ask You such a
question have no right to pry into any
matter which yen do not choose to reveal to
me Of your own free will and accord. But Us
all the mail q The hospital goes through my
hands, could not help noticing that in all
the months that you ssye been here you have
written to ,so nan nor received letter from
one. Upon this have built my hopes that
you were heart free
II cannot talk Of this, nor of anything now.
/ am so wrought up by many things that
have happened-by my letter from home; by
your unexpected declaration-that my poor
brain is III a whirl, and l cannot think clearly
and connocte,lly on any subject. Please do
not press me any more now
The torrent of bis passion was stayed by
this appeal 10 his forbearance. He essay ed
to ca.tn down his impetuous eagerness for a
decision of his fate and said penitently:
Il beg your pardon | really forgot ]
have 50 long sought an opportunity to speak
to you upon tsi matter, and | have been so
often baked at the last moment that when a
seeming chance came l was carried away
with it, andGn my selfish eagcrness for my
own happiness | forgot your distress. For
give me-do.n
Il have nothing to forgive" she said frank
~, much touched by his tender consideration.
81 You never allow me an occasion for forgive
ness, or to do anything in any way to Offset
the favcrS You continually heap upon me"
PAY them all thousand times over by
giving INC the least reason to hope"
Il only wish | coultl--I only wish dared.
But fear 10 say anything now. | cannot
trust myself" 6
But you Will at least say something that
win give me the basis Of a hope ne per-
sisted.
Not now-not now, she said, giving him
her hand, which he seized and kissed ferycnt-
iv, and withdrew fTom the room.
She bolted the door and gave herself up tc
the most intense thought.
Assignment TO duty with an expedition
took DR.. Dcnslow away the next morning
without his being able to see her. When be
returned u week later he found this letter
lying on his desk:
My VERY DEAR FRiEND-The declaration you
noponed me with making has been the subject
Of nany hours Of the most earnest consideration
possible. am certain that il Is due 10 you and
90 the confession that you have made OF youT
feelings, that ! should IN turn confess that am
deeply shall Wy Interested ii your No
that is too prim and prglish a term There is in
YOU for me more than a mere attraction; feel
for you something deeper than even warm friend
ship. That you would make such q husband rs
should cherish and honor, of whom / should be
proud, and whose strong, kindly arms would be
my secure support and protection until death
claimed us have not the slightest doubt But
Scored, allpervaliag passion which woman
should feel for the man to whom she gives herself
body and soul, l encounter the strongest doubts
These doubts have no reference to you, only 70
myself. | feel that il would be a degradation-a
deep profanatioE-for me 70 give myself 10 you,
without feeling in its entirety such a love as ]
have attempted TO define. l have gone away
from yoa because want 10 consider this question
and decide il with more calmneSs and impartali-
IS than lean where I meet you daily ana daily
receive somr kindness from your hands. These
and the magnetism Of ycur presence are teinpta-
ti02s which l fear laigGt swer9re me from my
IDEAL and possibly lead 10 mistake which we
both might ever afterwsrd have reason to regret
! have. O. you viii b. informed. accepted q
detail g one az the hospitals et Nashville Honoi
write ms except to tell me Of a change in your
poS.oisice address viii not write yoa, unless
have something Of special moment to tell YOU
Believe me, whatever may batile. at least your
very sincere friend. RACHEL, Bonn
CHAPTER XVIII.
SECRET SERVICE
The summer and fall Of the battle year" Of
1862 had passed without the Army Of the
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